How to trim the claws of a spitz at home?

When a funny fluffy dog ​​breed of Spitz appears in the house, the whole family rejoices. After all, this animal energizes the household, gives an excellent mood for the whole day. However, only a healthy dog ​​can give joy, and the main task of the owner is to maintain the health of his pet. One of the most important stages in the maintenance of the Spitz is the clipping of the claws. This procedure performs not only aesthetic, but also wellness functions.

Overgrown, long, unkempt claws in a dog can become a source of serious illness. Infections, growths, pustules - all this lies in wait for the Spitz with unshaved claws. At the same time, long claws cause serious discomfort to such a mobile and energetic dog, they affect its gait, violate posture and general muscle tone.

In addition, in the house an active Spitz often becomes the companion of any children's games. And its long claws can seriously injure a small host. Timely clipping will save not only the skin of the owner, but also the surface of the furniture.

Not everyone is serious about a procedure like clipping a nail. Some owners do not see this as necessary, justifying the argument that, for example, no one is caring for the claws of a stray dog ​​and its legs are in good condition. Meanwhile, in nature, animals, including stray dogs, grind their claws on asphalt, trees and other hard surfaces. The domestic Spitz does not have such an opportunity, and therefore the owner must monitor the condition of its claws.

Too long claws interfere with the dog when walking, her fingers hurt, hair grows between them, a subcutaneous tick or fungus appears. All this leads to the fact that the dog begins to bite its nails on its own. Seeing this behavior, the owner should take the pet to the veterinarian. The fact is that nibbling claws is characteristic not only for animals with long claws, but also for dogs that have parasites.

Before you start clipping a claw, you should study the structure of this part of the body. In the process of cutting, it is very important not to touch the pulp, it contains nerve and blood vessels. If you injure this part, the dog will experience pain, bleeding will begin. therefore the process must be performed very carefully. In light-colored dogs, the pulp layer is clearly visible and it is almost impossible to mix up, but in dark-haired varieties, distinguishing the border is quite problematic.

It is recommended that Spitz with a dark coat examine the nail on the bottom side. To do this, it is better to turn the dog on his back. In this position, the line between the claw and the pulp is better visible. Often during a haircut, a dark spot can be seen on the edge of the trimmed surface. This indicates that the blood vessels are close and should not be cut anymore.

The nail clipping procedure is not that complicated. It is not necessary to lead the dog to a veterinarian or groomer and once again provoke stressful situations for her. You can cut your claws at home. Perhaps for the first time the animal will get scared, but it will get used to it over time. A properly conducted process will not bring the dog pain.

It is best to start accustoming a puppy to a haircut from a young age. Usually, the procedure is carried out twice a month. For animals that are long and often walking, you can reduce the number. In winter, it is recommended to cut the claws more often, because due to the snow, dogs cannot grind their claws on asphalt.

When preparing for a haircut, you will need:

• nail clipper, you can buy it at a pet store or veterinary clinic;
• file;
• hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate and baby powder;
• cotton buds;
• optionally varnish.

The process of cutting the claws consists of the following steps.

1. Place your dog in a well-lit area so that she is not afraid and comfortable.
2. Take the pet by the paw, lightly press on the pillow, then the dog will show its claws.
3. Identify the border where the pulp begins, it is darker than the rest of the claw.
4. Cut the tip of the claw without touching the pulp. 2 mm should remain to the border with the living area.
5. Pay special attention to the lateral fingers, on them the claws practically do not grind on their own and therefore especially need a haircut.
6. If the vessels are still affected, then the claw will begin to bleed. In this case, carefully treat the paw with peroxide, moisten a cotton swab in potassium permanganate, or dip it in a powder and press it to the injured surface. In the near future, make sure that the dog does not wet this paw.
7. For smoothness, treat the claws with a file.
8. Paint the claws as desired.

Take advantage of the extra tips for clipping a Spitz.

• For the first time, it is recommended to carry out the procedure together. Let one person familiar to the dog keep the dog, and the second performs the procedure directly.
• During the haircut, gently talk with your pet, praise him for his patience, stroke and scratch behind the ear.
• After the session treat the pet with some goodies. The next time the dog will know that after such an uncomfortable procedure, a reward awaits her, and will not be so scared.

For how to trim the claws of a spitz at home, see the next video.